AWESOME AGAIN STAKES | PURSE: $300,500 | 3-YEAR-OLDS & UP | GRADE 1 | 1 1/8 MILES
Stuck wide every step of the way, odds-on choice Shared Belief stayed unbeaten in seven starts with a head victory over a game Fed Biz in the $300,000 Awesome Again Stakes Sept. 27 at Santa Anita Park.
Shared Belief gave up much ground while ridden to a gutty victory by Mike Smith, who came back from a spill in the preceding race to guide the smallish 3-year-old Candy Ride gelding. Shared Belief will be among the horses to beat in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic Nov. 1 at Santa Anita.
Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer is a part owner of Shared Belief in partnership with Jim and Janet Rome's Jungle Racing, Jason Litt, Alex Solis II, George Todaro, and Kevin and Kim Nish's KMN Racing.
It was the closest finish in the career of Shared Belief, a smashing 2-3/4-length winner of the $1 million Pacific Classic Aug. 24.
"He didn't seem to be getting hold of the track that well," Hollendorfer said. "We're very happy to get the win. Hopefully, this race will set him up well for the next one."
Making his career debut at Santa Anita, Shared Belief was time in 1:48.58 for the 1-1/8-mile distance while paying $2.40 to win. Fed Biz was second, with outsider Footbridge third.